Hashiguchi GOYO (1880-1921)

 Click here to view image full size. A fine drawing, pencil on thick paper, 15 x 11.5 in., 38 x 30 cms., c 1916-20, showing a nude side view of a young woman ( the model Tomi ? ). Although Goyo used sumi and brush to draw, he was particularly fond of the pencil and his best studies are usually in this form, on thick, light tan paper mixing hard and soft graphite. He first came to prominence with his illustrations for the famous Soseki novel I Am a Cat published in 1905. Sealed Goyo. Fine condition. Status: Sold

Ichiyosai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely interesting and amusing preparatory drawing for an unpublished triptych showing cats queueing at a fish shop, probably for the first bonito of the year. Cats are shown serving the customers while other cats can be seen in the back of the shop. A young female cat is buying a fish, while beside her a young mother cat is standing carrying a baby cat on her back. It’s well known that Kuniyoshi loved cats and there is an illustration in Kyosai gwadan ( 1887 ) showing his studio with Kuniyoshi surrounded by cats. Unsigned and sold “as is” with creases and stains. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.

Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

 Click here to view image full size. An extremely interesting original oban tate-e drawing, fully signed. A preparatory sketch for an unrecorded Nijushiko, “Twenty-four [ Chinese ] Paragons of Filial Piety” set. Shows Kakkio ( Kuo Chu ) and his wife unearthing a pot of gold. Like the other two published sets of Filial Piety by Kuniyoshi, there is a strong western influence in the depiction of the figures and landscape. See no.79, p.95 and nos.216-219, pages 195-197 in Heroes & Ghosts, Hotei publishing, 1998. Also no.107, p.134, Drawings by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Leiden Museum, Matthi Forrer, 1988 for another original sketch for one of the horizontal Filial Piety designs. Sumi and light colour; 14 x 10.5 in., 36 x 27 cms. Good condition: Lightly laid onto Japanese paper. Signed Ichiyusai Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold

Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

 Click here to view image full size. An original drawing by Hokusai showing a Chinese brigand heaving aloft a large rock to stave off oncoming swords. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono; image size 14.50 x 10.75 ins. Box has inscription: “Chinese warrior from Suikoden painted by Katsushika Hokusai” and inside lid guarantee dated Showa kanoto tori, yayoi chuin Kimura Tosuke kan ( authenticated by Kimura Tosuke, 1981 ). Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

 Click here to view image full size. A large ( 33.75 x 15.75 ins. ) and important original drawing by Hokusai showing the Dragon of Handaka Sonja ( one of the sixteen Rakan ). This dragon is usually shown emanating from a bowl, sometimes with a rain cloud. For another see The Harari Collection of Japanese Paintings and Drawings, volume 2, Lund Humphries, 1970, 146e, p. 273. Sumi on paper finely mounted as a kakemono, with box. Provenance: Catalogued by Jack Hillier and illustrated in the 1967 catalogue of Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., no 117. ( Interestingly, the item before which is illustrated on the facing page shows a large cartoon by Hokusai of the Sixteen Rakan with a dragon descending in the centre which is strikingly similar to this drawing. ) Status: Sold

Ichiyusai KUNIYOSHI (1797-1861)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Kuniyoshi for an unpublished triptych showing the combat between Minazuru-hime, the daughter of Ki-ichi Hogen, and Kitashirakawa Tankai. The largest collection of such drawings is in the National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden from the Lieftinck collection. Sumi and pentimenti on thin tissue laid onto Japanese paper, c 1840’s. Signed Kuniyoshi and Kuniyoshi ga. Status: Sold

TOSHIAKI

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Toshiaki ( presumably a pupil of Yoshitoshi ) showing the Suikoden hero Rochishin. Sumi and red underdrawing with pentimenti, 13.5 x 9.5 inches. Signed Toshiaki. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. Another original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a carp swimming amongst reeds. This may be an initial idea for the triptych showing carp swimming beneath wisteria ( see this website under Flora and Flora ). The only other koi print Yoshitoshi designed is a large surimono illustrated in Yoshitoshi, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 98, p. 139. Sumi on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi showing a grimacing figure having obviously just used his sword to slice through something. Sumi and red underdrawing on paper with a number of attempts with pentimenti, also au verso, to achieve a satisfactory head. Size 12 x 9 inches. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. A vigorous drawing showing a warrior struggling with an opponent in water, waves above. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 12.25 x 13.5 inches. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi, possibly for the set of 65 prints: Kadai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows a warrior holding a pole. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13.5 x 9.75 inches. Status: Sold

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai Suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Komagine Hachibei holding a rifle, a downed opponent in the background. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper; size 13.75 x 9.5 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. An original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitosh’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868 – 1869. Shows Negoro Hamitcha holding a rifle. Sumi and red underdrawing on thin tissue; size 13 x 9.25 inches. Sold together with an impression of the published print. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. Original preparatory drawing by Yoshitoshi for the set of 18 prints: Keisai suikoden, “Biographies of Valiant Drunken Tigers” published by Masadaya 1874. Shows Sumoto Sakyo downing an apponent. Sumi and red underdrawing with pentimenti. On thin tissue laid onto a sheet of Japanese paper. Sold together with an impression of the finished print. At least four other drawings are known for this set: 1) Catalogue of Japanese Prints and Drawings by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, Herbert Egenolf, 1977, no. 38. 2) Yoshitoshi catalogue, Toshihiko Isao, 1992, no. 37-b. 3&4) Beauty & Violence, Havilland Press, 1992, no. 24.2 and D8. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.

Tsukioka YOSHITOSHI (1839-1892)

 Click here to view image full size. Original preparatory drawings by Yoshitoshi for the set of 65 prints: Kaidai hyakusenso, “Yoshitoshi’s Selection of One Hundred Warriors” published by Ohashi ( Daikyodo ) 1868-1869. Shows Sakuma Den’nai using a bamboo fence as a shield ( pub. 1869 ). A vigorous sumi drawing on thin tissue with another such drawing au verso with pentimenti ( for the same set ? ). Sold together with an impression of the finished print. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Hishikawa MORONOBU (c 1618–1694)

 Click here to view image full size. A superb and important book by an unrivalled illustrator in depicting street life and views of the Yoshiwara and the theatre. One volume complete, Tsukinami no asobi, “Months in the Eastern [ Edo] Capital.” One page preface and 19 double page illustrations plus one page colophon. Shows the inhabitants of Edo engaged in various activities from pleasure to devotion as well as street markets and daimyo processions. Published by Urokogata-ya of Odenba-cho, Edo, Genroku 4, 4th month, 1691. Beautiful contemporary hand colouring. Ex collection Walter von Scheven, 1878 – 1950, and purchased by him from Karl W. Hiersemann, Leipzig, in 1924. Extremely rare. Listed by Mrs Brown in Block Printing and Book Illustration in Japan, p. 48. Original salmon pink covers with embossed pattern and original title slip. Minor soil and marks but otherwise extremely good condition for a book of this period. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Kawamura BUMPO (1779-1821)

 Click here to view image full size. One volume complete Kimpaen gafu “A Book of Paintings by Kimpaen [ Bumpo ].” Published Bunsei 3, 1820, by Hishiya Magobei. Bumpo’s major book of kacho-e. The better impressions ( as here ) do best justice to what Jack Hillier called the “boneless” technique ( without outline ). Original covers with an indented mushroom design and title slip. Minor thumbing and other minor marks, otherwise very good condition. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Nishimura NANTEI (1775-1834)

 Click here to view image full size. One volume complete Nantei gafu kohen, “A Book of Drawings by Nantei, Second Part.” Also published as Jimbutsu gafu. Published by Bunchodo ( Yoshida Shimbei ), Bunsei 9 ( 1826 ), the preface dated Bunsei 6 ( 1823 ). Fine designs of everyday life in the Kyoto area. Original light orange covers and brown title slip. Some wear to covers. Slight thumbing to lower corners, otherwise a nice copy. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Various SHIJO ARTISTS (Compiler Bunshodo Fuji Mokyo)

 Click here to view image full size. One volume complete Keijo Gaen, “An Album of Pictures by Kyoto Artists.” One of the finest of the Shijo anthologies. Published by Yoshida Shimbei, Bunka 9 ( 1812 ). The colophon dated Bunka 11 ( 1814 ). Twenty-six double-page illustrations by Goshun, Soken, Roshu, Hironari, Toyohiko, Shiba Kokan, Zaimei, Shoin, Toyo, Ozui, Keibun, Gito, Shodo, Hakuei, Gantei, Kokei, Nangaku, Gyokorin, Bummei, Kiho, Kosen, Minwa, Chikudo, Koshu, Geppo and Ozui ( in that order ). There are also copies known with twenty-five illustrations. Ex collection Hayashi ( small red seal ). Original blue covers with impressed pattern. Original brown title slip. Minor marks and wormage, but generally good condition. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Yamaguchi SOKEN (1759–1834)

 Click here to view image full size. Yamato jimbutsu gafu, “An Album of Japanese Figure Drawings.” Three volumes, first series, bound as one, complete. One of the great Maruyama/Shijo ehon showing 105pp of sumizuri-e scenes from daily life in Kyoto. The compositions owe as much to what is left out as what is present with everyday activities imbued with insight and humour. Without first preface ( as is often the case ); second preface dated Kansei 12 ( 1800 ). Colophon signed Yamaguchi Soken and dated Kansei 11 ( 1799 ). Each section starts with a single page showing plum blossom, pine and bamboo. The book was reissued in 1802 and then reprinted together with the second series in 1804. This is an early edition on thin paper. Opaque paper was used in the reprints and a title was added on each illustration. Original covers and title slip ( ? ), somewhat worn, giving it as one volume. Some minor marks and soil, otherwise good condition. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.

Hosoda EISHI (1756–1829) and Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760–1849)

 Click here to view image full size. One volume complete Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen, “The Thirty-Six Women Poets in Brocade Prints” published by Eijudo Nishimuraya Yohachi and dated on last postscript Kansei 9 hinoto mi “Kansei 9 [ 1797 ] mid-Winter” and stating that the calligraphy was written by thirty-six young girls, none over the age of fifteen. Date of publication Spring 1801 ( Kansei 13 kanoto tori haru ). Two prefaces followed by a double-page frontispiece by Hokusai and thirty-six double-page prints with a poetess at left and a poem in shikishi at right decorated with colour patterns. Two postfaces with colophon giving artist as Hosoi Chobunsai, with seals Hosoi and Chobunsai. Rare complete and as Jack Hillier wrote in The Art of the Japanese Book, Sotheby’s, vol. 1, p. 454: “The other book with colour prints by Eishi is one of the major masterpieces of the colour-printer’s art.” Provenance: Ex Hayashi collection ( large and small seals ) and Edmond de Goncourt with an annotation by him at end of second preface where he states that he purchased it from Hayashi in 1888 for 200 francs ( and sold, lot 1499, in Goncourt sale, 10/3/1897, Hotel Drouot, Paris ). There is also a small oval seal with a capital “G” running through the book. This appears to be another collector as it does not tally with Goncourt’s seals. Old brocade covers and title slip, probably not original. Very fine impressions and colour. Minor backed wormage on preface and colophon, otherwise very good condition. Status: Sold  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.  Click here to view image full size.